Officials did not give any more information about the circumstances of her death.

Sheldon joined the U. S. Army in October 2005 and served as an armorer at Coleman Barracks, Germany. In February 2010 she was assigned to the 82nd 82nd Airborne Division.

Her most recent deployment was to Kuwait.

Sheldon's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with a bronze oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

She is survived by her parents, Renee and Gary Orcatt, also of Grand Rapids, Michigan.